Lights, action, laughter

Edwardsburg students perform a romantic comedy

Edwardsburg students perform a romantic comedy

November 18, 2005|SHERRY VAN ARSDALL Tribune Staff Writer

EDWARDSBURG -- Senior Chelsie Baucus has two crowns right now. One is dark, black and fake. It's the bad crown of the evil queen in the Edwardsburg High School production, "Once Upon a Mattress" this weekend. The other is bright, adorned with jewels and real. It's the good crown of Miss Edwardsburg 2005 and Second Runner-Up of Miss Blossomtime Festival Court 2005. She wears the dark crown with pride after trying out for a difficult role. "I wanted the queen role because she was so mean, and I'm totally opposite," Chelsie said. "I was able to challenge myself." The 17-year-old is lowering her voice to be different and wearing dark make-up to give an evil appearance. "Everything I do gives a dark impression," she said. "I'm snappy with people and not at all compassionate. I do like playing the villain." She's performed in other school drama productions. "The audience will see something different that Edwardsburg has never put on before," Chelsie said. "The music is really fun and very upbeat. It's different but catchy." There are costumes from the medieval era since the musical originates from the fairy tale, "The Princess and the Pea." The production opens tonight. "When I put on my costume, it makes me come into the role. I do all the things that go with the role," Chelsie said. "When I take it off, that character stays with the costume." This will be the first play and lead role for freshman Brett Mitchell. The 14-year-old plays Prince Dauntless, and he's not to fond of his costumes. "The slippers are pretty cool, but the tights I don't like wearing them," Brett said. "A tunic and tights! I'm not too thrilled." He's thrilled at playing a character that's the opposite of him. "Prince Dauntless is timid and shy and lets people walk all over him," Brett said. "I'm not like that, and it's fun." The freshman has learned that acting is very hard work, especially when fitting it in with sports and band as well, he said. He's worked at home memorizing his lines and the songs. "It's been lots and lots at work at home to put it all together," Brett said. "I'm having lots of fun. I've met new people and done new things." A rewarding experience for someone who went to the audition just to try out for any role. "I had no idea," he said. "I was very surprised." His character falls in love with Winnifred, played by senior Leah Boepple. She refers to Winnifred as a goofball and a challenge from other roles that were serious. "It's nice to do something different," the 17-year-old said. For instance, her character acts a little drunk. "That's totally something that's not me," Leah said, smiling. "It's a good family show despite the drinking. It's a fairy tale with so many princesses that little girls will love to see." She said she likes the costumes that make it a period play from the 18th century and different from other school plays. "There's a lot more costumes and props, a bigger cast to work with," Leah said. It presents more challenges for the performers on the small stage, and keeping track of where everyone should be, she said. She has a lot of memories about the stage at Edwardsburg Middle School. "I remember coming here when my mother was director and I was 4 or 5, so I know this theater very well," Leah said. "There's nothing like getting a big rush from being on stage. It's been a big part of me. Acting is like second nature to me."Staff writer Sherry Van Arsdall: svanarsdall@sbtinfo.com (269) 687-7004